Ethics, Politics, and Economics

The problems confronting society now and in the future require an analytical and practical capacity to bring together expertise from several disciplines. In an era of global interdependence and rapid technological change, we must think practically about the institutional dynamics of power and governance. We need to understand the technical complexities of economic and statistical analysis as we think critically about basic moral and political choices. Constructive responses to such problems as coping with natural and social hazards, allocation of limited social resources (e.g., medical care), or morally sensitive political issues (e.g., affirmative action) require close knowledge of their political, economic, and ethical dimensions, and a capacity to think rigorously about the questions they raise.

The major in Ethics, Politics, and Economics studies individual, societal, and international issues, joining the social sciences with philosophy to promote an understanding of the institutions, policies, and people that shape the world.

Students apply to the major at the end of the fall term in their sophomore year, and selection is competitive. Prospective majors are encouraged, but not required, to take courses from the major requirements before admission. Recommended introductory courses include: